Stacey S. Hamilton, Photography – That Melanin Though (DATMLNNTHO)

Artist Statement

Stacey S. Hamilton is a self-taught professional portrait photographer born, raised, and currently living in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Stacey specializes in portrait photography and has been shooting for 9 years. Her body of work highlights the raw beauty of women, men, and gender non-conforming individuals who descend from the African diaspora.

This collection of photographs encourages viewers to see the beauty and essence of the Black woman. The shades of brown skin, different textures of hair, and distinctive facial features captured in these images emphasize beauty, power and character. The phrase, “That Melanin Though” (DATMLNNTHO) is a phrase that is used widely within the black community as a sign of appreciation and honor for brown skin. Stacey chose to title the project in this way to reference social media and black pop culture, while also staying true to the slang that she grew up speaking and hearing.

The images tell a story without words, highlighting the authenticity of Black female identities.
Through photography, Stacey observes how the women carry themselves. Her goal is to get viewers to see strength in spite of struggle, potential, and most importantly, for black women and girls to see themselves. We need to see ourselves in ways that make us feel powerful for being in the skin that we are in.